A powerful storm system, known as a DANA, has swept through parts of Spain again, just two weeks after the last one. This time, the brunt of the torrential rains and flash flooding is hitting Málaga, with the storm also causing major disruptions in areas of Tarragona and Valencia.

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Málaga Faces Severe Flooding and Disruptions

In Málaga, intense rainfall and flooding have led to evacuations, road closures, and service disruptions. Over 3,000 people were moved from their homes overnight as flooding worsened, with emergency teams continuing evacuations this morning. Some of the worst flooding hit the city center, where streets, homes, and even parts of the Hospital Clínico were overwhelmed by rising water. Hospital staff have been working nonstop to clear water out of the affected areas, and only emergency services remain open for urgent cases.

The impact of weather on transportation is widespread. Rail service between Málaga and Madrid was suspended this afternoon, stranding hundreds of travelers. Málaga’s main station, María Zambrano, was evacuated, while local bus services were temporarily halted. Local rivers and dry river beds rarely carry water but are now overflowing and carving through neighborhoods. The Arroyo Jaboneros, for instance, is running high through eastern Málaga, flooding parts of Pedregalejo and El Palo neighborhoods.

Para aquellos que a las 8 de la mañana estaban rajando de @AEMET_Andalucia la @AndaluciaJunta y la alerta 🔴… si no llegamos a estar hoy la mayoría en casa hay desgracias personales en Málaga y provincia…#DANA #Málaga pic.twitter.com/wj3SfMCUUr

— Alvaro Muñoz (@alrebalaje) November 13, 2024

Tornado Strikes Cala de Mijas, Water Funnels Spotted in Marbella

A tornado has caused significant damage in Cala de Mijas (Málaga), tearing off the terrace and laundry area of a gas station. Several homes in the La Noria residential area have also suffered roof damage. Along the coast of Marbella, multiple water funnels have been spotted, further adding to the chaos brought on by the storm.

España 🇪🇦 | AVISO ROJO Imágenes del evento tornádico en #Marbella #Espana #DANA

Cc. @Cupsfire_gye pic.twitter.com/rdkEqunXvh

— 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 🦖 (@_carrascojr) November 13, 2024

Rising River Levels in Axarquía Region Bring Further Risks

The Axarquía region in the Province of Málaga is facing its own severe flooding, with rising river levels threatening towns like Benamargosa. Emergency alerts are in place as authorities keep a close watch on the rising Benamargosa River, where water levels are climbing rapidly after a nearby reservoir overflowed. Local residents are on high alert and prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen.

#URGENTE 🇪🇸 | Se desborda el rio Benamargosa, en la provincia de Málaga.

Equipos de policía nacional instan a la población a ponerse a resguardo subiendo a plantas superiores o vivienda en más altura.

Se agradece la difusión, no salgáis bajo ninguna circunstancia a la calle. pic.twitter.com/8mPqhP5tm4

— Alpha 🇪🇸 (@Alpha_spain_) November 13, 2024

Tarragona and Valencia on High Alert

In Tarragona, another area under a red alert, major highways like the A-7 have been forced to close due to flooding, and activities in much of the province are paused. Meanwhile, in Valencia, authorities are taking no chances after the devastating October DANA that left over 220 dead and others missing. Private traffic restrictions are in place in many towns to minimize risks as severe weather returns.

Adif has announced the suspension of train services on the Valencia-Barcelona line due to the DANA. The disruption affects the route between Castelló de la Plana and Cambrils. The railway operator shared the update through its social media channels, urging passengers to check for further announcements.

Record-Breaking Rainfall Hits Southern Spain

Rain totals are reaching extreme levels, with Málaga receiving 118 liters per square meter in the past 24 hours — nearly twice the monthly average. Heavy rainfall has also drenched Coín and Pego, with similar totals reported in parts of Valencia, Córdoba, and Granada. The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has declared red alerts in Málaga and southern Tarragona, while six regions across the country are under high alert.

Safety Measures and Ongoing Emergency Response

In Málaga, nearly all local health centers and schools have closed as a precaution, with closures extending to coastal towns such as Nerja and Rincón de la Victoria. Renfe has canceled all local train services in Málaga, and authorities are asking residents to avoid unnecessary travel as emergency crews continue their work. Officials are urging caution as communities brace for more rain and the continued risk of flash floods.

Málaga Airport: Open but Facing Flood Disruptions

Despite heavy flooding in Málaga, Málaga Airport remains open, though conditions around and within the airport are challenging. Parts of the airport have flooded due to intense rainfall, and travelers are advised to exercise caution when arriving or moving through the terminal. Some flights have been delayed or canceled, so passengers should check their flight status before setting out to avoid unnecessary trips in the dangerous weather. For those planning to travel, keeping up with airline updates and exercising extra caution on wet and potentially flooded roads is highly recommended.

Malaga Airport is operating normally despite a red weather alert and rising floodwaters. Unconfirmed videos show flooding at the arrivals entrance, with water nearing the automatic doors.pic.twitter.com/bYhyEzqscm

— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) November 13, 2024

Granada Faces Flooding and Disruptions as DANA Storm Hits

Granada is under an orange and yellow weather alert today as the DANA storm brings heavy rain and flooding to the region. Since this morning, there have been around 20 incidents, mostly due to flooded roads. Public transport has been affected, with a 60% drop in bus passengers as people heed safety warnings.

Several streets in Las Gabias have been closed as a precaution, and 80 local police officers have been deployed to help manage the situation. In addition, all schools in Granada, the surrounding metropolitan area, and other affected regions have suspended classes for the day due to the storm.

The University of Granada has also canceled its classes and activities, with up to 100 liters of rain expected in some areas over the next 12 hours. Local authorities are urging everyone to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as conditions worsen.

Weather Update: Up to 180mm of Rain Expected

Heavy rain continues to batter parts of Spain, with the AEMET forecasting up to 180mm of rainfall in areas like Málaga, Granada, the northern part of Castellón, and southern Tarragona. The intense rain, which could be locally torrential and persistent, is expected to last through Wednesday and into the night. Other parts of the Mediterranean coast, including the Valencian Community, are also bracing for significant rainfall, with totals around 80mm over 24 hours. The DANA’s movement southwest will bring further heavy downpours and thunderstorms to western Andalusia and the Mediterranean coast, with rain expected to continue through Friday. As conditions remain volatile, AEMET warns that there is still uncertainty about the exact distribution of rainfall across these regions.